When do you engage the services of an Interior Designer?

Judging by the number of times I’ve been asked this question, it only felt right to delve into it for my next blog entry. Taking it back to INTERIOR DESIGN 101, we looked at the different facets that make up the world of interiors, and it is these same facets that determine at what point, the scope and which type of Interior Designer one would require.

Starting with Interior Architecture or the technical end of interiors, one would engage the services of an Interior Architect at the same time the other build consultants i.e., Architects, Engineers and Quantity Surveyors, are being sourced. For reference purposes, you have your parcel of land, a general idea of what you’d like to put up and a budget in mind to execute the same. With the aid of your Architect and Interior Architect, your concept will be put on paper and you’ll be able to get the full set of construction documents to start you off. Having both the Architect and Interior Architect on board will ensure that both exterior and interior plans, design specifications and layouts are in alignment with the overall vision of your project. While the Engineers ensure the structural, electrical and mechanical drawings are good to go, the Quantity Surveyor will make sure the numbers add up and you don’t go over budget. At this point, you are ready to move on to the next phase – Construction.

For Interior Construction or the hard end of interiors, you will need all the statutory documents and necessary permits and approvals to proceed seamlessly. Here, you will engage the services of a Contractor and Interior Contractor to put up and fit-out the building. While the Contractor puts up the structure, the Interior Contractor is tasked with managing and supervising the project to ensure that all design specifications are met, sourcing and fitting the materials and interior finishes and walking with you throughout the entire length of this journey, ensuring that all that you envisioned is realized. The other build consultants regularly check in during the construction process, to make sure that all is in order. Interior Contractors also come in whenever you have a renovation and/or fit-out project. Once you settle on the designs, scope of work, budget and timelines, they source all the necessary permits, materials and labourers and begin the process of transformation. Project Management is but one of the many hats the Interior Contractor wears during this phase.

Upon completion, you will now be in the Interior Décor or soft end of interiors phase. Here, you will engage the services of an Interior Decorator to come beautify your spaces in line with your tastes and preferences or as par the design specifications drawn up by the Interior Architect. Interior Decorators also come in in cases where you’ve bought a finished building unit or home, and you’d like the interiors updated to your liking; since most “ready for occupation” projects come finished in standard contractor finishes.

As you can now see, engaging the services of an Interior Designer is directly linked to the phase of your project and the scope of work you’d like carried out. To make the process easier on you and guarantee your peace of mind, we at Phi Interior Designers Ltd offer client–centred end to end design and build solutions. This means that starting from the technical to the soft end of interiors, we are the go–to consultants for phenomenal and personalized innovative design solutions. Instead of hiring the services of three different designers during the length of your project, hire an interior architectural design firm well versed in all the facets that make up the world of interiors, and have them walk the journey with you.

Till next time…Baraka Tele